A bunch of Stephens & Mephisto books by Elly Griffiths

Lately I have been reading a series of books one after the other. This is the first of what I'm sure will be many series I will do this with.

The Stephens & Mephisto books are set in Brighton in the years after WWII and follow Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens as he tries to solve different mysteries, from murders to kidnappings. His friend, famous magician, Max Mephisto always features in the book and often helps Edgar either solve the mysteries, or helps him see a new perspective. Edgar and Max have an interesting history, having worked together in WWII as part of a secret group called the Magic Men.

The books also feature Edgar's detectives, Bob and Emma, and Max's daughter Ruby, who also dreams of being a famous magician. These secondary characters add to the book as we see the personal lives of Edgar and Max rather than just the mystery.

All the mysteries have many twists, leaving you wondering who did it and why. And generally, I did not figure it out!

I have read five of the six books, one just came out, so I haven't been able to read it yet! I better put it on my ever expanding hold list at the library.....seriously it is getting out of control!

The first five books are:

• The Zig Zag Girl

• Smoke and Mirrors

• The Blood Card

• The Vanishing Box

• Now You See Them

I enjoyed all of them, so definitely recommend these ones if you enjoy mysteries.